Punjab Police Chief Viresh Kumar Bhavra told reporters that the 28-year-old singer, whose real name was Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, sustained bullet injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where his death was confirmed.
Bhavra said that about 30 empty shells have been found from the spot, in which at least three different weapons including 9 mm gun.
The Punjab Police linked the attack to a gang rivalry, in which a Canadian gang member allegedly claimed responsibility for Moose Wala’s death. But political groups have blamed Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for allowing the killing.
India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party said in a statement, “Sidhu Moose Wala was assassinated in a state-sponsored murder. For this you government is completely responsible.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann told AAP that the killers of Moose Wala will not be spared. He tweeted, “Shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific murder of Sidhu Moose Wala. No one involved in this will be spared. My condolences and prayers are with his family and his fans around the world. I request everyone to remain calm. I appeal.”
the killing
Bhavra told that the moose wala had left the house with two other people in the car at around 4.30 pm. He told that after about an hour, two cars from the front came near the vehicle and opened fire.
According to the Press Trust of India, the state government of Punjab announced the withdrawal of the security cover provided earlier to 424 officials, including 122 politicians, including Moose Wala. Critics said the move would put individuals at risk of attack.
Bhavra said Moose Wala usually had four commandos, but two were redeployed to cover the anniversary of the Sikh massacre. Moose Wala still has two armed security guards, but he decided not to travel with police protection on Sunday, Bhavra said. “When he left the house, he did not take the commandos (guards) with him and told them that they need not come,” Bhavra said.
Bhavra said that the singer also had a bulletproof car which he did not use.
Moose Wala rose to fame in 2017 after releasing his first song, becoming one of the most prominent musicians of his generation.
He had 8 million followers on Instagram and his music videos have made millions The number of views on YouTube. Fellow rapper Drake reacted to the news of his death by sharing a photo of him on Instagram. “RIP Moose,” he wrote in a caption.
The rapper ventured into politics in 2021 and joined the Indian National Congress party, contesting the Punjab Assembly elections in February, when he lost to rival AAP.
Moose Wala’s Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi shared a public condolence on social media.